Question for Pinzgauer owners

[STAGE 2]

I'm thinking about adding a pinz to the stable, but there are a couple of deal breakers for me and more importantly my better half. What is a realistic crusing speed for the freeway, and how loud is it in the cab at said speed. Also, do you get any engine fumes in the cab? Thanks.

[rusttorod]

I had one a few years ago. Freeway speed is going to top out around 55 with a breeze at your back. She's wound up pretty high at that speed. It's more comfortable at about 50. At that top speed you're not going to have a casual conversation with your passenger. I always wanted to put some sound deadening material inside the engine cover and maybe the floors. That engine cover does cut the noise in half vs. driving without it installed (like when i was tuning the carb), so I suspect some dynamat would help a lot too.
Here's a video I took when I was getting ready to sell mine. It shows me driving around the neighborhood, both inside and outside the truck. Overall I highly recommend getting one. They are very easy to drive and are a ton of fun. They're easy to work on and every part on it is readily available at a reasonable cost too.
-Shane

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koBWJjvrHZ0

[STAGE 2]

What about fumes in the cab?

[karoja]

I own a 712 Ambulance, converted to a camper. Just took her in-country for a week. I agree with rusttorod on the cuising speed. Loudness is subjective, in my case I do not plan on using additional sound insulation on the cover. As to fumes in teh cab, non so far with my car and exhaust system in excelent shape. As to driving comfort in 4x4 situations, excelent.

[scottsvogel]

Average freeway speed is between 50 and 60mph (closer to 50mph in hilly areas). However, the road and drivetrain noise is fairly daunting (get a loud stereo).
I have a 710M (troop carrier) and when the sides/back are open I do encounter fumes, when decelerating. Often times when downshifting or braking, fumes will waft in from the back. However, if the vehicle is sealed-up with the canvas closed/secured, then no fumes.

[STAGE 2]

Average freeway speed is between 50 and 60mph (closer to 50mph in hilly areas).

This is another thing I'm wondering. I've heard people say, including one member here, that it can cruise at 70 all day on the highway. Others have said that 60 is possible but not recommended. Is this a vehicle specific thing or is there a standard for cruising speed? Are there any gearing changes or tranny upgrades (overdrive) that can help this?

[762X39]

With a Pinz (or any other european military vehicle) the top speed tends to be 90kph or less because that is the legal speed for trucks in europe and you are talking about a surplus military vehicle after all.If you want to go faster, buy a Super Duty instead.You won't be dissappointed and your significant other will be comfy.

[scottsvogel]

I don't believe 70mph is possible (and with the stiff suspension, I don't advise trying). As stated above, at 55mph, you are pushing the vehicle pretty hard. Top speed for my Pinz is slightly above 60mph.

[karoja]

I just added a 710M to my stable, it is deffinitely more nosy then the ambulance, and you definitely smell like a mechanic after driving one. The rear differential is surprisingly lowd, and the floor acts like a resonance board.

[RMP&O]

I had a 712M...top speed was 55-60mph. It cruised best at 45-50mph. They are very noisy trucks and without a ton of sound deadening work that won't change. Without a working diesel heater they are also very cold trucks. While mine was a soft top it had a cab back on it. I never got any fumes in the cab.

Mine was most enjoyable to drive on country roads. As far as pavement goes anyways. The noise is less when they are not doing 50+mph. They also handle really well with the independent suspension.

Any long distances and I trailered the truck. I wouldn't want to drive it on the HWY or do road trips on the HWY in a Pinz.

I don't know about parts being cheap....maybe that has changed since I owned mine. A clutch about 6yrs ago ran me over $800 in parts only! It was the easiest clutch I ever changed though...